20th Annual USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run
Columbia, SC – April 20 & October 12
Mud, Flame, Music, Beer, Color, Ninja, Zombies
Don’ t be fooled by “mud run” in the name, this is no 5k with a couple of mud holes. This is a real obstacle race that’s been held since 1993 – that’s right, this race has been around for 20 years! Designed and built by a Marine drill instructor, this race includes a whopping 36 obstacles spread over 6.2 miles. Actual Marines are positioned throughout the course to help motivate your team. No empty promises, you will sweat, you will probably bleed, and yes, you might break some bones. Somewhere on the Leatherneck you will find the point where you think you can’t go any further and you will push on. If you conquer the course, your sense of accomplishment and pride will be with you forever! “Enlistment” for April’s USMC Ultimate Challenge will end on April 13, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. Enlistment for the fall USMC Ultimate Challenge will begin on May 1, 2013, at 12:01 a.m. EST and will end on Sept. 29, 2013, at 11:59 p.m. The USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run does NOT accept individual enlistments, only teams.
MUDmorial Dash
Concord – May 19
Mud, Music
MUDmorial Dash Scheduled to Make Cabarrus County a Little Dirtier
On May 19, Cabarrus County will play host to its first official mud/obstacle 5k, MUDmorial Dash. MUDMorial Dash (MMD) will take place at Frank Liske Park, located off of Stough Road in Concord. The course will consist of various obstacles that will offer a challenge for even the most seasoned 5k athletes to attempt and conquer across areas of the park that have never been opened to the public. The obstacles are designed to be environmentally conscious, keeping in mind the coveted grounds on which they are being secured. Ten dollars of every MMD registration will benefit the American Heart Association and soldiers who have fallen victim to heart disease. In addition to the many ways to get dirty throughout the course, the event will be highlighted by appearances from some of “The Biggest Loser’s” season 11 and 12 contestants as well as by live music. There will be a post-event after-party at Three Monkeys in Harrisburg’s Town Center sponsored by Jagermeister.
The Ninja Challenge
Fuquay-Varina – May 18
Mud, Music, Beer, Ninja
Ninja Challenge is a 5k obstacle race that will see if you are fit to walk the path of a ninja warrior. While anybody can run, only ninja can run up walls. The Ninja Challenge goes beyond a simple race and will truly test your athleticism. Running becomes only half the battle when you face 15-plus obstacles that only a true ninja can complete. Obstacles will rely on your strength, balance, dexterity and stamina. There will be volunteers helping out at each obstacle and we recommend running in groups so you can work as a team. While the course is designed to be fun for all skill levels, competitive racers can compete against Super Ninjas, who are hand-selected super athletes. If you beat the Super Ninja in your wave you will be added to the race’s Super Ninja Hall of Fame and get a chance to win entry into future races as a Super Ninja.
Mud Endeavor
Anderson, SC – May 18
Mud, Music, Beer
Mud Endeavor experiences are more than just your average 5k mud adventure. With premium course locations, Mud Endeavor tests your strength and mettle to see how much guts you actually have. The courses are designed to challenge the intense and aggressive competitor, while also appealing to the characters who just want to dress up, have fun and get a little dirty.
Zombie Run
Charlotte – May 19
Music, Beer, Zombies
No obstacles on this course – you wouldn’t want to trip with a zombie on your heels, would you? Runners have the option of wearing a custom latex-free “life” balloon that the race’s brain-hungry zombies will try to pop before runners reach the finish line. But if you’re not fast, don’t worry! The course is designed just like a zombie movie set, so even if you don’t wear your balloon or survive the race, you’ll still be in for a great run or walk. The race features a finish-line “quarantine party” that is open to everyone: zombies, survivors, non-survivors, families and spectators. There will be a local DJ, food trucks, a zombie makeover station, photo stations to take pictures with the scariest zombies, and a store to pick up some merchandise. There will be beer available. Zombies love beer. Think you can survive the run? Register as an individual human. If you can round up a group of four or more runners, then you can register as a team and receive a discount. Each runner receives a Zombie Survival Pack, including an official race T-shirt, headband and water bottle. Prefer to eat some brains? Register as a zombie. You’ll receive a drawstring, T-shirt, headband and water bottle. Plus, you can eat all the brains you can catch!
